Illa M. Anderson, 81, of Perry, KS, passed away Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at home after a battle with cancer.

Illa was born February 2, 1936 south of Marysville in rural Marshall County, KS,  the youngest of two daughters of Archer and Merrietta Higgins Rowland.

She grew up in Beattie before moving to Marysville and then to Axtell. She was a 1954 graduate of Axtell High School. She earned a B.S. of Education from Washburn University in 1981 and began teaching in the Perry-Lecompton School District #343. She taught Kindergarten and first and second grades in Lecompton and Williamstown for 18 years before retiring. She was a member of Perry United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She served many ways in the church.

She was married to David William “Bill” Anderson on November 7, 1955, he survives at the home. To this union, four children were adopted into the family.

Survivors include, two daughters, Sherry L. (Robert Jr.) Tyler, Boerne, TX,  Karen M. (Steven) Pesce, North Bend, WA, one son, Robert William “Bob” Anderson, Manhattan, four grandchildren, Ty Tyler, Michael Tyler, Dakota Pesce, Autumn Pesce, two great-grandchildren, Tyler Tyler and Blake Tyler, and many beloved nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Perry United Methodist Church in Perry, Visitation 10:45 AM to 11:15 AM after service. Inurnment will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery, Perry, KS.  Memorials suggested to Perry United Methodist Church or to Friends of Hospice of Jefferson County in care of Barnett Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 602, Oskaloosa, KS,   66066.   http://www.barnettfamilyfh.com/